Fibular Hemimelia: (longitudinal fibular deficiency)

- Discussion:
- among most frequent limb anomalies is partial or total absence of fibula;
- it is most common long bone deficiency and is the most common skeletal deformity in the leg;
- most often is unilateral;
- paraxial fibular hemimelia is the most common manifestation (only the postaxial portion of the limb is affected)
- commonly seen as complete terminal deficiency (lateral rays of the foot are affected as well);
- hemimelia can also be intercalary in which case the foot remain unaffected;
- it is prudent to remember that although congenital absence of fibula is evident, this condition is actually a total limb involvement;
- males are affected twice as often as females in most series;

- Clinical Presentation:
- involved limb is usually shortened, and the foot is in equinovalgus position;
- classically the skin has dimpling seen over the tibia;
- clinically, primary problems related to fibular hemimelia are limb length inequality and foot/ankle instability;

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Orthopaedics and the US Military

Text Author

Dr. Wheeless enjoys and performs all types of orthopaedic surgery but is renowned for his expertise in total joint arthroplasty (Hip and Knee replacement) as well as complex joint infections. He founded Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina in 2001 and practices at Franklin Regional Medical Center and Duke Raleigh Hospital.